Mitsubishi International Corporation - the ESKA™ "POF" Plastic Optical Fiber Source

Enter the world of advanced, precision applications for medical use with designed-in Mitsubishi ESKA "POF" - plastic optical fiber – researched and developed by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. for 30 years and emerging as the leading source for superior performing, task-specific devices and systems. A proven component offering lasting reliability, easy of use and cost-defeating practicality, "POF" incorporates optically pure, FDA approved, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate polymer) core and a special transparent polymer clad outer layer. All of which provide the essential ingredients for the engineering and production of disposable medical devices, critical site lighting, light guides, sensing, image transfer, network communications, data transfer and collection, as well as point-to-point communications.

The thin outer layer cladding present in all "POF" equipped products is part of a concentric double layer structure contributing to a lower refractive index than the PMMA core. This retains the integrity of launched light within the fiber and supports an exceptionally low transmission loss. Add to this a series of impressive structural facts which warrant to the advantages of ESKA- "POF" functionality:

• EMI/RFI Immunity
• Wide 100Mbit bandwidth
• Tight 1" bending radius and cycled bending capabilities
• Superior flexibility
• Visible transmission range
• Short distance Light transfer in IR and UV
• Separate and offset transmittance
• Extensive operational temperature range from -55°C to +105°C
• Excellent mechanical durability/reliability
• Lower component and systems costs

The FDA approved PMMA core, essential to ESKA "POF" is a key component of the ground-breaking exclusive development of "Fiber-Torch" Side Glow-Light Pipes by Mitsubishi International Corporation. Functionally, "Fiber-Torch" enables the launching of even, bright, glowing light along the length of the fiber and is specifically suited for critical site lighting in surgical procedures. As such, the fiber optics indigenous to "POF" is made to transfer light from one end of the fiber to the other, is known as end-lit fiber. It is the result of the high accuracy processing which creates fiber, with the clad removed, around a circumference of either 360° or 220°, whichever spacing intervals are required. "Fiber-Torch" will be cut to lengths and then processed to 14" for a single source end and to 36' for dual end sources. Interval spacing patterns are determined by interval sizes and the number of points.

The "POF" technology which utilizes a PMMA core is also a key component of Mitsubishi's recently developed "PIF" - Plastic Image Fiber which consists of smaller fibers that are fused into bundles appropriate to the intended medical application. Manufactured from PMMA materials, "PIF" is available at far lower cost than glass fiber versions and may be used as part of a disposable scope with "POF" light guides. Structurally, "PIF" bundles are produced to 7,095 pixels whatever the overall diameter of the image conduit. PMMA image fiber is usable to an approximate 3 meter length, depending upon the clarity demanded by the application. Currently there are 2.5mm, 2.0mm and 1.5mm dia.'s available with 0.5mm, 0.75mm and 1.0mm versions under development.

The precision capabilities consistent with Mitsubishi's "POF" technology are value-added fiber and cable products responding to market demands which require extended accuracy and quality meeting ultra-precision customer needs. Some of these value-added concepts have been accomplished by providing: fiber shaping to a pre-designed radius; angle cutting of fibers; combining lenses with fibers; unusual fiber arrays; special bundles; and a variety of cost-effective connector and termination solutions. Mitsubishi International Corporation will study customer-specific designs, suggest possible cost-saving and/or improvements, as needed; and will manufacture marketable "POF" products in large or small quantities for medical and other precision-engineered applications. Design, engineering, prototypes and sampling are part and parcel of the preliminary services.

A wide variety of ESKA™ fibers are available to suit most applications. Fiber diameters range from 0.25mm to 3mm. Product offerings include single fibers, bundle fibers, and fused coherent image bundles. In addition, an assortment of standard as well as special fiber cables ideal for a range of environmental conditions and applications are also available.

   Products Typically Used in Medical Applications

www.fiberopticpof.com

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ESKA™ is a Registered Trademark of Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.